On occasion we have had puppies present with benign heart murmurs. All our adult dogs have passed their cardiac OFA tests and do not have any heart issues. Golden Retrievers are a large breed and grow at a tremendous rate their first 6 months of life. From birth (10-16oz) to 8 weeks they put on almost 11-12 lbs. From 2 months to 4 months, they are still growing at a fast rate just not as extreme as the first 8 weeks. The heart is no exception to this fast growth. The heart and all it's parts are growing at different rates and sometimes a murmur can be detected due to this varied growth. This is why we have never seen any issue with one of our puppies after 14 weeks of age. They have all resolved. However, we say, to wait until 6 months of age for any murmur to completely resolve.
How are heart murmur's graded? A veterinarian will examine the dog's heart through auscultation(listening with a stethoscope). Based on what they are hearing they grade the dog's murmur, if anything is detected. This grade can be anywhere from 1-6. HERE is an article explaining heart murmurs.
How does this diagnosis affect me as a puppy buyer and planning for a new furry family member? We provide our families with multiple options if any issues are detected at their 8 week wellness check with our veterinarian. You would be contacted immediately if there is a concern with your puppy at there 8 week veterinarian check up.
Option 1: You may choose to continue with your plans and pick up your puppy. You would monitor the murmur with the care of your veterinarian. He/she will check the heart every 2-3 weeks through auscultation(listening with a stethoscope). If the murmur was to turn into a serious concern then our "Health Guarantee and Purchase Agreement" would apply.
Option 2: You could apply your deposit to a puppy from a future litter.
We want our families to be happy and all our puppies without issue. However, they are biological living creatures and sometimes concerns can show up that are out of our control. As hard as we try, sometimes sadly this happens. We want our families to have options and offer these so you can be prepared to make a decision. If you have any question please don't hesitate to contact us.
Another great resource is the Golden Retriever Club of America. See their page HERE on health and research.
How are heart murmur's graded? A veterinarian will examine the dog's heart through auscultation(listening with a stethoscope). Based on what they are hearing they grade the dog's murmur, if anything is detected. This grade can be anywhere from 1-6. HERE is an article explaining heart murmurs.
How does this diagnosis affect me as a puppy buyer and planning for a new furry family member? We provide our families with multiple options if any issues are detected at their 8 week wellness check with our veterinarian. You would be contacted immediately if there is a concern with your puppy at there 8 week veterinarian check up.
Option 1: You may choose to continue with your plans and pick up your puppy. You would monitor the murmur with the care of your veterinarian. He/she will check the heart every 2-3 weeks through auscultation(listening with a stethoscope). If the murmur was to turn into a serious concern then our "Health Guarantee and Purchase Agreement" would apply.
Option 2: You could apply your deposit to a puppy from a future litter.
We want our families to be happy and all our puppies without issue. However, they are biological living creatures and sometimes concerns can show up that are out of our control. As hard as we try, sometimes sadly this happens. We want our families to have options and offer these so you can be prepared to make a decision. If you have any question please don't hesitate to contact us.
Another great resource is the Golden Retriever Club of America. See their page HERE on health and research.
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RADIANT GOLDENS - Breeder of Top Quality AKC European Golden Retrievers in Middle TN.
Last updated: January 22, 2025
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